Hi!

I just bought my first Mini on EBay -- a 2004 yellow/white -- and I'm VERY excited. I've never really had an emotional attachment to a car before; in the past, I've always thought of them as basically transportation. But when I saw this one and rode in it, I fell in love.

My question, though, is about airbags:

I'm one of those short women who, when air bags first were installed, initially was in danger from being killed by the force with which they deploy. My current car, a '90 Camry, is so old that it doesn't even HAVE airbags, so I never had to worry about this particular problem before.

As best I can determine, 2004 Minis are equipped with the airbag-2 system. Is this the kind that adjusts to the driver's position, and alters the force of the impact accordingly? If not, is there anything I can do to protect myself in a crash?

I've read somewhere that sitting 10 inches away from the steering wheel helps, but that distance is uncomfortable physically for me. I hate the thought of getting pedal extenders -- that would make me feel like a child -- and my local Mini dealer said that not only do they not carry them, they have no idea where to buy them.

The dealer said this concern also is not an issue with the airbag 3s, but as I said, I think I have an airbag 2.

So any advice or help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Mary

P.S. You can email responses to Mary_McCauley@Verizon.Net.

P.P.S. This particular car also has an overhead camera. Anyone know what the purpose of this piece of equipment might be?

 

I believe the new airbars which adjust to the occupants came into use on the MINIs in 2005.

What are you talking about a overhead camera?

 

Hello Mary & wecome to NAM,

I'd look for a newer model MINI 05-06. Don't chance those bags going off & killing you. I believe that the new bags sense a persons weight & adjust the airbag force accordingly.